14th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting

• 14th BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting: Held in Chennai on 21 August 2026, under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026.
• Chairship Theme: India’s 2026 BRICS theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
• Chair: The meeting was chaired by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences.
• Preceding Meeting: The 16th BRICS STI Senior Officials’ Meeting was held in Chennai on 19–20 August 2026.

Key Focus

• Emerging Technologies: Cooperation was emphasised in Artificial Intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced materials, biotechnology, photonics, geospatial technologies and high-performance computing.
• Inclusive Innovation: India emphasised that technological innovation should remain accessible, affordable, trusted and sustainable.
• Global South: STI cooperation was linked with inclusive growth, sustainable development, resilience and equitable international partnerships.

BRICS STI Cooperation

• Research Collaboration: BRICS STI cooperation encompasses research collaboration and innovation partnerships.
• Young Scientists: It includes exchanges among young scientists.
• Research Infrastructure: Cooperation includes shared research infrastructure.
• Working Groups: BRICS has thematic STI Working Groups dealing with priority areas.
• STI Framework Programme: The meeting reviewed the BRICS STI Framework Programme and upcoming initiatives.
• Young Innovators: Upcoming initiatives include the BRICS Young Scientist Forum and Young Innovator’s Prize.

India’s Initiatives Highlighted

• National Quantum Mission: India’s initiative for developing capabilities in quantum technologies.
• National Supercomputing Mission: Focuses on strengthening high-performance computing capabilities.
• BioE3 Policy: Promotes biotechnology-led innovation and sustainable development.
• National Geospatial Policy: Supports the development and use of geospatial technologies.
• Digital Public Infrastructure: India highlighted its expanding DPI ecosystem as an example of technology-oriented development.

Areas for Deeper Cooperation

• Frontier Research: Greater collaboration in emerging and frontier technologies.
• Innovation Financing: Strengthening financing mechanisms for innovation.
• Talent Mobility: Promoting movement and exchange of scientists and researchers.
• Research Infrastructure: Greater sharing of scientific infrastructure.
• Startup Partnerships: Promoting cooperation among start-ups.
• Capacity Building: Strengthening scientific and technological capabilities across BRICS countries.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question — English

Q. With reference to the 14th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting, consider the following statements:

1. It was held in Chennai under India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026.
2. Artificial Intelligence, quantum technologies and biotechnology were among the emerging technologies highlighted for cooperation.
3. The BRICS STI cooperation is limited to exchange of scientific information and does not include research infrastructure sharing or start-up partnerships.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation

• Statement 1 — Correct: The 14th BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting was held in Chennai on 21 August 2026 under India’s BRICS Chairship.
• Statement 2 — Correct: AI, quantum technologies, biotechnology and several other emerging technologies were highlighted.
• Statement 3 — Incorrect: BRICS STI cooperation also covers research infrastructure sharing, start-up partnerships, talent mobility and capacity building.